Brooks: Lit Gala showcases new Central Library

Ahead of schedule and under budget are words that — unfortunately — are rarely heard. Nor are words the likes of spectacular, incredible, visionary. Our new 240,000-sq.-ft. Central Library is all of these. And more.

The new Central Library is the only Canadian building on Architectural Digest’s 2018 Most Anticipated Buildings in the World. The $245-million project is, beyond question, a breathtaking feat of engineering design and innovation. Architectural firm Snohetta partnered with Calgary-based Dialog to create the four-storey structure located at 800 3rd St. S.E.

Creating an opening gala to showcase the coolest thing to hit our city in decades would be no small feat. Not to be daunted, organizers took inspiration from the famed Met Gala in New York. The Lit Gala, as the event would be called, took the city by storm Nov. 2 and delivered on its promise of a high-energy experience ushering in the light of knowledge. Tickets at $750 a pop perhaps proved a little too steep for some, as it was hoped 1,000 guests would attend. Nonetheless, 680 guests donned their finest to attend the event with proceeds directed to a Spotlight Speaker Series providing Calgarians from all backgrounds and financial ability with free access to creative thinkers and fostering innovation and thought leadership in our city.

Highlights of the gala were numerous including: a performance from multi Juno-Award winning Calgary musicians Tegan and Sara; a riveting address from Craig Dykers, lead architect for the library and founding partner of the celebrated Snohetta architecture firm; a champagne toast delivered by Pat Moore, Library Foundation board chair and gala committee member; a Stomp Performance in the TD Great Reading Room; a performance from Decidedly Jazz in the Shaw Digital Entertainment Area; a reading from library CEO Bill Ptacek in the Stand and Command children’s area; remarks from Library Foundation president and CEO Ellen Humphrey; a performance from legendary trumpeter Jens Lindemann; and dancing until the wee hours in the Stuart Olson and Holt Renfrew sponsored main level.

Invaluable supporters of the fabulous new Calgary Public Library are Sagium principal Rick Green with Brenda and Greig Nicholls.

TD Canada Trust senior vice-president Robert Ghazal and his wife Claudia at the party. TD is a substantial donor to the library.

Pictured with reason to smile at the opening party for the fabulous new Calgary Public Library are architects Elaine Molinar and Craig Dykers. The $245-million library boasts 240,000 sq. ft of spectacular architecture.